A popular methodist minister, who lived in Caddington for nearly 20 years, has died aged 82.

Reverend Beryl Lucas, of The Dell, was well known in the Luton area having worked at a church in the town, as well as at Aley Green Methodist Church near Caddington.

Her cousin's daughter Celia Granger said: 'She was very friendly. She was a very popular lady. She was one of those highly efficient people, she didn't like inefficiency or people not doing things properly.'

Miss Lucas left her job as a manager in the civil service to be ordained in to the church in 1976.

Her first position was at a methodist church in Beeston, Nottinghamshire and later she moved to Brookside Methodist Church in East Barnet before heading to Bedfordshire.

And in 1996, Miss Lucas was invited to join the team at Westminster Central Hall as an associate minister.

But last year, Miss Lucas was diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas, and despite a valiant fight against the disease, she died on Wednesday, July 9.

A service of thanksgiving for Reverend Lucas will be held at All Saints Church, Caddington, on Friday, July 25, at 1pm.

Family flowers only at the funeral but donations can be made to Christian Aid c/o John Saunders And Son, 48 Duke Street, Luton, LU2 0HH.